It's the beginning of a new day. The second day at Shikai Academy.
In the boys' dorm, on the second floor, in room twenty-three...
Shiro's roommate woke up early. He opened the window just a little so some light could get in, and got ready quietly so he wouldn't disturb Shiro's sleep. Before he walked away, he took one last look at Shiro, then left the room.
Right after the roommate left, Shiro-still with his eyes closed-moved his hand all over the bed trying to find his sheet, but couldn't. So he slowly opened his eyes and looked toward the window. It was wide open. He glanced over at the other side of the room to see if his roommate was still there, but he was gone. His bed was neatly made. Shiro picked up his sheet from the floor and tried to go back to sleep, but for some reason, he just couldn't.
Shiro: Ahhhhhh… I can sleep perfectly in any condition… so why can't I now?
He kicked his sheet off and got up.
Shiro: Ahh, what a pain. For some reason I feel like something big will happened today (Looking out the window) There's still plenty of time.
Meanwhile, near the SR classroom…
There was a pretty thick, murderous intensity coming from one specific girl standing outside the classroom. Every student avoided her in every way possible.
Arien: He's dead today. I will never forgive him.
A tear formed in her eye.
Arien: It's only the second day and I've been late both times. All because the professor said, Don't come in if your partner isn't with you.
She started pacing in circles.
Arien: What do I do? What do I do? Go look for him? (She suddenly stopped. Her expression went blank.) Nah. There's still about 10 more minutes before class. I'll give him five. If he doesn't come…
Lots of students were walking by, heading into the SR classroom. Five minutes flew by, and still no sign of Shiro.
Professor Kareth peeked outside the door.
Prof. Kareth: Is everyone here? (Noticing Arien still waiting) Oh, he still hasn't shown? Well, I can't let you in without your partner. And you two were late yesterday too. Better luck next time.
With that, she slowly closed the door. Arien was heartbroken. But just as she was about to give up, she looked down the hallway-and what she saw made her heart jump. A familiar head of white hair walking slowly toward the classroom.
There was only about one minute left until class started, but Shiro was just strolling along like he meant to be late.
Arien ran straight toward Shiro.
Shiro: Oh, Arien! Good morn-
Before he could finish, as soon as she reached him, Arien grabbed him by the shirt and hurled him toward the classroom at high speed. By pure luck, Shiro managed to avoid hitting the door, but he slammed hard into the wall beside it. The impact was so loud that even the students already inside jumped.
Suddenly, the classroom door swung open and Arien yelled:
Arien: MADE IT!
Professor Kareth looked totally shocked.
Prof. Kareth: Mad- made it? Oh, yeah… I guess you did.
After that, Arien grabbed Shiro, dragged him to their seats, and sat down-without saying a single word about what that sound was just outside.
Prof. Kareth: (Thinking to herself) That sound… Don't tell me she punched him hard enough to make a noise like that. (She glanced at Arien, who was now sitting calmly.) …Scary.
The bell rang to start class. Professor Kareth began speaking.
Prof. Kareth: Well, good morning, everyone. I assume you remember what we talked about in yesterday's class. Before we continue, I'd like to give you all a partner assignment.
Everyone muttered: Partner assignment?
Prof. Kareth: Yes. A partner assignment. It seems I paired you all up, but none of you are really syncing yet. Well, it's only the first day-these things happen. (Looking right at Arien) Right?
Prof. Kareth: So here's your task: gather information about your partner. Things like their full name, where they're from, their favorite food… that kind of stuff.
While Professor Kareth was explaining, some girls were having their own conversation.
Girl 1: Tch. I can't believe that girl treated him like that.
Girl 2: I know, right? Grabbing and pulling him around… I wish I was his partner.
Girl 3: Me too, me too! Hey, does anyone know his name?
Girl 1: I heard it's Shiro.
Girl 2: Shiro… what a beautiful name. She doesn't deserve his attention.
Girl 3: We should do something about it. You guys in?
Girl 1 & 2: We're in.
Prof. Kareth: Anyway, I don't expect you to become best friends in one day. So I'll collect your reports the day after tomorrow. You have two days. Oh and don't think that tomorrow is a free day the class will be hold sooo good luck. Class is dismissed for today.